In 2024, the U.S. healthcare industry spent $6.1 billion on Pfizer’s COVID-19 therapy Paxlovid, a 6,922.8% increase from 2023 expenditure data, according to a recent study.
The research, published April 23 in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, reviewed the IQVIA National Sales Perspectives database, which tracks medication purchases by hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, home health companies, long-term care facilities and other healthcare entities.
Overall, U.S. healthcare pharmaceutical spending reached $805.9 billion in 2024, a 10.2% increase from 2023. Nonfederal hospitals accounted for $39 billion of these expenditures.
Here are the top 25 drugs ranked by U.S. expenditure in 2024, according to the study:
1. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 used for Type 2 diabetes, weight loss, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus): $54 billion
2. Tirzepatide, a GLP-1 used for Type 2 diabetes, weight loss and sleep apnea (Mounjaro and Zepbound): $31.7 billion
3. Adalimumab, an immunosuppressive medication (Humira): $28 billion
4. Apixaban, used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism (Eliquis): $26.2 billion
5. Empagliflozin, a Type 2 diabetes drug (Jardiance): $20.5 billion
6. Pembrolizumab, a cancer drug (Keytruda): $18 billion
7. Ustekinumab, used for Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory conditions (Stelara): $17 billion
8. Risankizumab, used for plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory conditions (Skyrizi): $16.1 billion
9. Dupilumab, used for atopic dermatitis (Dupixent): $15.6 billion
10. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, an HIV-1 drug (Biktarvy): $15 billion
11. Dulaglutide, a GLP-1 used for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Trulicity): $11.7 billion
12. Etanercept, used for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions (Enbrel): $10.1 billion
13. Dapagliflozin, used for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease (Farxiga): $9.5 billion
14. Rivaroxaban, a blood thinner (Xarelto): $8.5 billion
15. Lenalidomide, used to treat multiple myeloma and other blood cancers (Revlimid): $7.9 billion
16. Secukinumab, used for psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases (Cosentyx): $7.7 billion
17. Fluticasone/umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol, used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Trelegy Ellipta): $7.2 billion
18. Immune globulin, an anti-infective: $7.1 billion
19. Upadacitinib, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases (Rinvoq): $7 billion
20. Daratumumab/hyaluronidase, a multiple myeloma therapy (Darzalex): $6.4 billion
21. Sacubitril/valsartan, used for chronic heart failure (Entresto): $6.1 billion
22. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, an antiviral for COVID-19 (Paxlovid), $6.1 billion
23. Ixekizumab, used for psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory diseases (Taltz): $5.8 billion
24. Guselkumab, used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (Tremfya): $5.8 billion
25. Ocrelizumab, a multiple sclerosis drug (Ocrevus): $5.7 billion Read about last year’s top 25 drugs ranked by nonfederal hospital expenditure, here.
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